New framework to help those from poorer areas access university

An initiative to boost the number of youngsters from deprived communities in Scotland’s universities should provide a “step change in knowledge” on how to achieve this.

The new Framerwork for Fair Access has been hailed as a “significant milestone” towards the ambition of ensuring those from poorer areas have the same chance of going to university as students from more affluent parts of Scotland.

A key part of it is a new website, to provide evidence on what can be done to increase access.

In addition a new forum, called Scotland’s Community of Access and Participation Practitioners (SCAPP), has been set up to share and develop best practice on this.

Higher education minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is ahead of the curve in delivering equality of access, with 15.6% of entrants to Scottish universities now coming from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland – just 0.4% short of our goal for 2021. However, we can do more.

“Sharing learning on how best to support disadvantaged learners to realise their potential is key to this.

“I am delighted to see the education sector in Scotland come together to bring to life one of the key recommendations made by the Commission on Widening Access in the form of the framework.”

Universities Scotland director Alastair Sim said: “The framework is one of many exciting developments in the access landscape in Scotland already this year, which includes bold action from universities to set minimum entry requirements for under-represented students starting degrees in 2021.”